PLPA Act संशोधन पर उठे सवाल: मनोहर लाल खट्टर सरकार पर बिल्डर-माइनिंग लॉबी को फायदा पहुंचाने के आरोप
Gustakhi Maaf Haryana – Pawan Kumar Bansal
Our six-year-old report highlighted when the हरियाणा सरकार led by मनोहर लाल खट्टर tried to amend the Punjab Land Preservation Act (PLPA), 1900, allegedly to benefit the builder mafia eyeing the अरावली पर्वतमाला. The Bill to amend the PLPA Act, 1900, could have dangerous implications for environmental safeguards.
The rules proposed under the amended provisions of the Act have not been notified along with the proposed Bill. Will the पंजाब और हरियाणा उच्च न्यायालय intervene?
Pawan Kumar Bansal, Gustakhi Maaf follow-up:
A reader has sent a copy of the proposed Bill that the Manohar Lal Government planned to bring in the Assembly session to amend the Punjab Land Preservation Act, 1900, allegedly to oblige builder and mining interests. Scrutiny of the Bill raises serious concerns, as it could have dangerous implications for environmental safeguards.
The proposed amendments suggest retrospective implementation, which could severely weaken environmental protections. It may also affect the implementation of judicial pronouncements related to areas notified under Sections 4 and 5 of the amended Act, including cases such as the Manesar land scam and the Kent Enclave lands in फरीदाबाद. These amendments could potentially wipe out deemed forest areas notified under the specific provisions of Sections 4 and 5 of the Act.
R.K. Sharma, retired IFS officer of Haryana and a reader of wescrewnuts.com, states that even the rules proposed for the amended provisions have not been notified along with the Bill. He believes that intervention by the भारत का सर्वोच्च न्यायालय may be necessary. It is hoped that NGOs or individuals may take action.
One thing appears certain: powerful builder and mining lobbies stand to gain significantly from such amendments. Allegations and concerns have also been raised regarding the role of politicians and bureaucrats. No politician is expected to oppose the amendment or scrapping of the PLPA.
Some forest officers are reportedly unhappy, as the amendments may affect enforcement dynamics, while others may feel relieved from the burden of protecting PLPA-notified areas.
khabre junction